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Preston City Mela

South Asian performance taking place during Mela 2021 on Preston Flag Market.

The Preston City Mela is a vibrant celebration of South Asian arts, culture, tradition, and heritage.

The first Mela in Preston dates back to 1992, and one has continued to be hosted every year since. Today, Preston City Mela is mainly celebrated in the summer and held on Avenham or Moor Park. The event is bursting with performances and traditional South Asian music and dancing.

Each Mela features a variety of stalls, food, and workshops, where you can get involved in henna tattoos and printing techniques, taking your creations home with you.

The word Mela means 'a fair' and in rural tradition they are a way of bringing the community together, which is exactly what Preston City Mela achieves. People from all walks of life are invited to participate in this free and fun event to celebrate the community and diversity in the city.

Follow the socials

Man on stage playing large disc shaped instrument. Photo by Michael Porter.
Girls in South Asian dress performing on the Flag Market. Photo by Michael Porter.
Girl holding sprouting plant in her hands during South Asian Mela performance. Photo by Michael Porter.
Crowds dancing on Preston Flag Market during Mela event. Photo by Michael Porter.
A man on a stage with blue robes and big sunglasses singing into a microphone. Photo by Karen Browne.